The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center was founded in 2000 and has been dedicated to the research, awareness and education of celiac disease. Founder, Stefano Guandalini, a world-renowned pediatric gastroenterologist and Celiac Disease expert, was determined to confirm that the disease is not as rare as once thought and to spread awareness to the medical community as well as the public. This was the first organization of its kind in the US.
In addition to its great strides in awareness, education and advocacy, the Celiac Center has developed several programs that benefit the celiac population free of cost. Some of these include the Celiac Disease Information Hotline, where one can call 5 days a week with questions regarding symptoms, testing and diagnosis. You can call Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. central standard time at (773) 702-7593. Another program is the annual free celiac screening, which takes place in October, and provides free celiac blood screening for those at risk of developing celiac. This is a hugely popular program and registration fills up quickly so it is important to sign-up as soon as registration open in September. Experts and vendors are also on hand to answer questions.
One of the most fun programs the Celiac Center initiated is the free gluten-free care packages to those newly diagnosed with celiac disease. This program began in 2001 and is available to anyone in the US, to you or a family member that has been diagnosed, by biopsy, within the last three months. You may call the Center for your own bountiful care package.
I received my package earlier this year, and it was a welcome treasure to receive by mail. It was a large basket full of gluten-free goodies wrapped just like a gift basket one would receive for the holidays, and it was all safe!! Care packages include gluten-free food guides, support group information, coupons for gluten-free products and samples…many useful and yummy samples!! Package contents may change from time to time depending on participating vendors. A list of past and present vendors can be seen here.
Some of the items my package included were 2 packets of spicy Bhuja snacks (I think these were my favorite), Mary’s Gone Crackers, Erewhon cereal, Tinkyada pasta, Chébé bread mix, dip mix from Cali Fine Foods, a coupon for a free package of Bob’s Red Mill pizza dough mix, a copy of Living Without magazine and many more edibles. I wanted to keep it all for myself, but my family enjoyed it all too.
Call the center for your free care package today!
This says it is not suitable for people who have celiac: http://www.kamut.com/en/research.html 
I like that they have more than 1 option available. I love Heidi's idea of an Udi's pre-packaged muffin ...
Hi Tiffany!
I am so glad you touched on this subject!! I too, am pleased with the variety of options ...
I remember when my care package came over three years ago like it was yesterday. It was so lovely and I remember laughing because there was a bottle of ketchup and Cheetos in it. What it did was show me that many familiar brands of items were gluten-free and things weren’t so bad after all. What a lovely blessing this is for recipients. Thanks Anne, for reminding me that the Chicago Celiac Center needs to be included in my holiday donations. It’s through donataions that the program can continue.
Hi, I;m thinking about the gluten-free care packages in another context. I was thinking about baking gf cookies for a care package for soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan. I realize that I don’t even know if people with food issues are accepted into the armed services. Then I don’t know if there’s a distribution system to get those people the care packages sent from back home. Do you have any information? Thanks. Rae
Also, I’d love to be in the drawing for the shelf ready meals.